Is Control Number Same as Ein? Understanding Tax Identification Numbers

Types of Tax ID Numbers

Form W-2 Box D is the Control Number field. This code uniquely identifies your W-2 in your employer’s records. A Tax ID Number (TIN) is a nine-digit number that the IRS uses to identify and track payments to individuals and businesses.

Employer Identification Number (EIN)

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) identifies a business entity. Businesses need an EIN, also known as a Tax ID or Federal Tax Identification Number. Failing to register for a Sales Tax ID Number can lead to penalties and interest charges.

Control Numbers and Document Identification

Business Control Numbers

What is a control number for a business? Document control number (DCN) is a unique identifier for a document. It is used to keep track of documents and by departments responsible for documents.

Entity and Control Numbers

What is an entity number? The entity number identifies a business entity issued by the Secretary of State when formed. The letter “C” must be entered followed by the seven-digit entity number when searching for a corporation.

Control Number vs Tax ID

Is control number the same as tax ID? Name control and taxpayer identification number (TIN) must match IRS records on an electronically filed tax return.

On Tax Forms

Where is the control number on a W-2 form? The W-2 control number is in Box D between addresses.

E-File Identification

What is declaration control number for IRS e-file? Declaration control number (DCN) is a 14-digit number assigned to each e-filed tax return for tracking.

Importance of Document Control

Why is document control numbering necessary? It ensures the latest document version is used when transferring information between parties.

Additional Information about EIN

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) helps the IRS track businesses for tax reporting and payments. EINs are required for some businesses — and recommended for most.

The IRS assigns EINs to US business entities for identification purposes. EINs should not be used for non-tax purposes like auctions or lotteries. The first two digits used to indicate location but now refer to the IRS EIN source.

To look up a company’s EIN, EIN Lookup enables searches of IRS-assigned EINs. An EIN distinguishes businesses from one another for tax and other purposes, much as Social Security numbers identify individuals.

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